The first type of corn, sometimes known as Indian corn or maize, was found by the Pilgrims when they arrived on the shores of the New World. Provided by the Indians, this valuable resource ensured their survival. In addition to eating the corn, the resourceful Pilgrims also used the husks for making various things like shoes, ropes, dolls, and seats for their chairs. Modern varieties of sweet corn, field corn, and ornamental corn all descend from Indian corn.